Monday, October 31, 2011

"Classic Dinghy" oil sketch approx. 7x7 inches


A clinker built dinghy is a classic. I saw this one at the Classic Boat Festival at the Inner Harbour in Victoria BC recently. Lots of brightwork on all sides.

Friday, October 28, 2011

"Fall, Beacon Hill Park's mayor's Grove" oil 8 x 10


Rain, rain, rain but not a pain because the colours are soft and intense - ideal for painting. This is my favourite tree in the fall, I've painted it at least three times over the years. One can cope with the rain IF...

...if one can keep one's canvas from the wet drops. This sign board offered some protection and I erected my painting umbrella too. My  blood is still too warm for the cold weather but I dressed in many layers! The oil sketch is available - please check Fine Art America http://ron-wilson.fineartamerica.com/ for the details.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

"Superintendent Frank" oil 11 x 14



Super Frank sat for about a dozen portrait painters at Goward House today. We spoke about how our respective families are blessed with what my folks called 'a Roman nose.' I think it's a sign of nobility but that's just an opinion... I can quite see this noble Caesar gazing out over his Legions of many soldiers!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

"Bald Eagle" w/c pencil on gesso board 8 x 10

 Benjamin Franklin didn't think that the bald eagle was appropriate as an American national symbol.
Granted, although he thought the eagle was magnificent, he rather fancied the hard-working characteristics of the ... can you guess?  Keith said the turkey. Thnx Keith, I also heard he liked the osprey: "Bald eagles are notorious for stealing fish from ospreys. In fact, this was one of the reasons why founding father Benjamin Franklin did not want the bald eagle to be America’s national symbol. Franklin thought the eagle was lazy because it would wait for the osprey to catch a fish, then harass the osprey in mid-air until the smaller raptor dropped its prize. "

But mostly the researchers agree that he fancied the turkey. Good one, buddy.

Fine Art America is now offering this original drawing and a number of prints for sale. Go to http://ron-wilson.fineartamerica.com/ for prices.

You can see a bigger version of the drawing if you click on the image above. Then press your BACK button to return,  and it'll be great if you could leave me a response or ask a question - click on COMMENTS below. Or click on the tiny white envelope to send me an email.
Thanks

Ron

Friday, October 21, 2011

"Tom" Conte pencil on Robert Bateman paper


I was supposed to be painting with the ALFS outdoors this morning but it rained cats and dogs, so I drew indoors instead.
A very patient Tom sat for me. We worked for forty minutes. Anyhow, I like this portrait not because it's good but because I see now that this jerky, rough way of drawing is unique - no one else I know draws like this. The style is mine, I have been doing it like this for thirty years or more - perhaps I'll post an earlier one some time - as a comparison.
I'm glad I have a STYLE  - it's something one cannot force, it just comes with time.

Click Tom's image to see an enlargement,  then (at the top right of the new window) click it off at the X to return here -- please drop me a line (click on "comments" below here) that'll be great!
Thanks,

Ron
Fortunately the pencil portrait kinda looks like Tom. Corry likes it.

When Sargent's sitters ever complained about their likenesses (it didn't often happen) he used to tease them by saying "you can always fix it when you get it home..."


Friday, October 14, 2011

"Pat Bay Berry Tree" oil 6 x 8

I arrived late for the morning's paint-out with the Al Frescoes. Frank looked at his watch and said that I had 45 minutes to get my work done before Show 'n Tell time at noon!


So, liking a challenge, I went ahead and dashed off this lil' 6 x 8 in 42 minutes. Does it work? COMMENTS (see below) are invited.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

"Alannah" oil 14 x11

After a summer break I returned to the Goward House Portrait Painters to find the dozen or so artists in good form. Our sitter today sat very still yet I didn't think I got a good likeness after the three-hour session - you can't win 'em all,  painting is a lot like golf, some times you miss,  some times you are on par.
Anyhow, I was happy with my colors and brushwork even if I wasn't exactly accurate in my portrayal. So I went back after a couple weeks and re-painted her eyes. Still not an exact likeness but more pleasing than my first rendering ...


Click the painting for a bigger view.   X it off your screen at rop right when you're done.